Ultimate Guide to Electric Bike Security: Best Electric Bike Locks for 2024
What’s the best way to keep your electric bike safe from thieves? In this guide, you’ll find clear, actionable advice on electric bike security, from the most effective e bike locks to smart habits that thwart theft. Read on for more advice on protecting your e-bike and to see which are the best electric bike locks.
Key E Bike Security Takeaways
Investing about 10% of an e-bike’s value in security measures is recommended, with a range of locks available such as D-locks, chain locks, and smart locks to cater to different security needs and budgets.
Securing an e-bike’s components like wheels, saddles, and batteries is crucial, employing tools such as gravity or anchor locks, and taking additional precautions like removing the battery when parked adds further protection.
For enhanced e-bike security, employing smart parking strategies in visible, well-lit areas with surveillance, using GPS trackers, anti-theft devices, and insuring the e-bike through specific policies or insurance is advisable.
Choosing the Right Lock for Your E-Bike
Securing your e-bike begins with selecting an appropriate bike lock. Security and insurance experts recommend spending around 10% of the e-bike’s value on security measures. From D or U-locks and chain locks to advanced options with smart unlock features, there’s a variety of bike locks to choose from based on your needs and budget.
U-Locks: Pros and Cons
U-locks also known as D-locks offer robust security with thicker shackle sizes providing effective defence against theft. However, their small internal size may limit usability for larger e-bike frames. Balancing cost and protection, options like the Kryptonite KryptoLok Standard U-Lock emerge as budget-friendly choices that still offer substantial security.
If you’re after advanced features and extra security from your bike lock, then advanced locks from a brand like Abus might be just the lock you need.
Chain Locks: Pros and Cons
Chain locks offer flexibility and versatility, allowing e-bikes to be secured to a wider variety of objects with a reliable bike lock.
Models like the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1415 & New York Disc Lock are designed to fend off tools like angle grinders, preventing a broken lock. However, the weight of e bike chain locks can be a deterrent, and they can be vulnerable to bolt cutters if not made of hardened steel or sufficiently thick.
Gold Secure Bike Locks
Gold Secure bike locks are a go-to choice for top-level e-bike protection. Whether it’s a U-lock or a chain lock, these secure locks offer robust security and meet the highest ‘Sold Secure’ standards. But remember, the right secure lock is only part of the equation—how you use it can make all the difference in your e-bike’s security.
Diamond Secure Bike Locks
Beyond Gold Secure bike locks, there are even tougher bike locks out there on the market which are Diamond Secure for those looking for an extra high level of security.
Currently popular e bike locks that have this rating include the Hiplok DXXL Sold Secure Diamond D-Lock and Chain Combo and the Hiplok D1000 Sold Secure Diamond Anti-Angle Grinder D Lock.
Best Electric Bike Locks - Top of the Locks
Here are some of our Evolve E Bike staff picks for the best e bike locks of 2024 to protect your electric bike:
Best Overall Lock
Hiplok's D1000 Sold Secure Diamond Anti-Angle Grinder D-Lock
The Hiplok D1000 Sold Secure Diamond Anti-Angle Grinder D-Lock stands out as the premier choice for e-bike security due to its Sold Secure Diamond rating, ensuring top-tier protection against theft, and its resistance to angle grinder attacks, providing unparalleled defence against determined thieves.
Best Budget Lock
Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard U-lock & Kryptoflex Cable Sold Secure Sold
The Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard U-lock & Kryptoflex Cable set offers robust protection against theft for e-bikes at an affordable price, combining a sturdy U-lock with a flexible cable for versatile securing options, providing peace of mind without breaking the bank.
Best Chain Lock
Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 1090 Integrated Chain Lock
The Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 Chain Lock stands out as the best chain bike lock for e-bikes due to its high-security features, including a hardened steel chain and a robust locking mechanism, providing superior protection against theft. Its integrated design offers convenience and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for securing valuable electric bikes.
Best D Lock
The Hiplok DX D-Lock is the best choice for e-bikes due to its Sold Secure Gold rating, ensuring optimal security against theft, while its robust design and ease of use make it convenient for securing e bikes when commuting or out and about.
Securing Your E-Bike Components
In addition to using a frame lock, it’s equally important to secure components such as wheels, saddles, and batteries of your e-bike. Specialised security systems like gravity locks can offer added protection and prevent your e-bike’s components from being an easy target for thieves.
Battery Security
The battery of your e-bike, often a target for thieves, is a vital component. Locks, chains, or battery safes can be used for added security. For added protection, consider removing the battery and taking it with you when the e-bike is parked.
Seat posts and pedals can also be attractive targets for thieves. Locking skewers are effective methods to secure these components and deter theft. For saddle security, consider replacing traditional quick-release mechanisms with a security screw.
Smart Parking Strategies for E-Bikes
The security of your e-bike can be greatly influenced by its parking location. Opt for busy, well-lit areas with CCTV and use two different anchor points to enhance the security of your e-bike and its components.
Varying parking locations and using different locking methods can also prevent thieves from exploiting predictable patterns. Ideally, if you commute using an e bike, check if you bring your bike into the office with you, or at least into the building where it will be much harder to steal.
Busy Areas and Video Surveillance
Visibility is a powerful deterrent. Here are some tips to reduce the chances of your e-bike being targeted by thieves:
Park in busy places
Park under direct lighting
Park within the range of CCTV surveillance
These measures can make your e-bike a less appealing target to electric bike thieves.
Varying Your Parking Locations
Thieves often scout for easy targets and exploit predictable patterns. By varying parking locations and altering parking routines, you can disrupt potential theft routines making it harder for thieves to predict your parking habits.
GPS Trackers and Anti-Theft Devices
For additional security, GPS trackers and anti-theft devices should be considered. They offer real-time e-bike tracking, immediate theft alerts and can even be hidden or disguised for added stealth.
GPS Trackers: Features and Benefits
GPS trackers offer features like real-time tracking, movement alerts, and geofencing. They can be integrated into bike components, rendering them less noticeable to thieves and more difficult to tamper with or remove. However, those GPS that utilise phone networks often require a monthly subscription but offer a much larger tracking range compared to Bluetooth-based trackers.
Anti-Theft Devices: Hidden and Disguised
Anti-theft devices provide stealthy security solutions. Integrated power meters or trackers disguised as bike parts can be less noticeable to thieves and more difficult to remove, ensuring your e-bike remains secure.
E-Bike Insurance Options
Another essential consideration when you buy an e-bike is insurance. Whether it’s specialised policies from providers like Laka or coverage through homeowners insurance, protecting your investment can provide peace of mind in case of theft.
Laka E-Bike Insurance
Laka electric bike insurance offers tailored benefits and coverage for e-bikes. Some of the benefits may include:
Free initial coverage for a set period, offering new owners immediate protection against incidents like theft or accidental damage
Policyholders typically need to be over the age of 18
Policyholders need to live in an eligible location
Policyholders need to secure their e-bike with an approved locking device to take advantage of specialised e-bike insurance.
Homeowners Insurance Coverage
Homeowners insurance may cover e-bikes, but coverage limits and requirements vary. Some insurance policies protect the cost of the e-bike only if it is stolen from inside the insured property. Opting for a higher excess can reduce monthly premiums, but it could increase out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim. Be sure to check carefully with your insurance supplier that you can definitely cover your e bike.
Registering Your E-Bike and Creating a Bike Passport
In case your e-bike is stolen, its recovery can be facilitated by registering it and creating a bike passport, which also supplies requisite information for law enforcement and insurance purposes in the event of stolen bikes and bike theft.
Having an e-bike registered and a bike passport ready ensures that you have all the necessary information to help police track down your stolen bike and prove ownership.
Keeping Your Electric Bike Safe
In conclusion, securing your e-bike involves choosing the right electric bike lock, securing components, smart parking strategies, employing GPS trackers and anti-theft devices, considering insurance options, and registering your e-bike. By taking these steps and applying this knowledge, you can significantly reduce the risk of theft and ensure that your e-bike remains secure.
E Bike Security FAQs
What lock should I get for an ebike?
You should get a D Lock for your e-bike, specifically one that is Sold Secure Gold or Diamond rated. Consider trusted e bike lock brands like Hiplok, Abus and Kryptonite.
How do I keep my e-bike from being stolen?
To prevent your e-bike from being stolen, always lock it up, alarm it, leave it in a secure location and well lit location, covered by CCTV. Try to bring the e bike battery with you, consider using a GPS tracker, and consider getting e-bike insurance.
What are some high-quality locks for e-bikes?
Consider using the highly-rated options recommended by the Evolve E Bikes staff including the Sold Secure Diamond Hiplok D1000 Anti-Angle Grinder D Lock or if on a budget the Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard U Lock.
How can I secure my e-bike's components?
You can secure your e-bike's components by using security systems such as gravity locks to protect wheels, saddles, and batteries. These systems are designed to offer heightened protection for your bike parts. Many e bikes such as the (INSERT BIKE NAME) have removable batteries to prevent battery theft too.
Do police seize electric bikes?
Yes, police seize electric bikes if they are used illegally, such as if the bikes are modified to exceed legal speed and power limits for electrically assisted pedal cycles. This can lead to prosecution and seizure of electric bikes.
